'''Wolof''' is the main language of [[Senegal]], and is also spoken in [[Gambia]] and [[Mauritania]].

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'''Wolof''' is the main language of [[Senegal]], and is also spoken in the [[Gambia]] and [[Mauritania]].

==Pronunciation guide==

==Pronunciation guide==

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;Note-: Wolof is primarily an oral not written language, so written spellings may vary considerably.

===Vowels===

===Vowels===

===Consonants===

===Consonants===

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;C-: is always pronounced "Ch" Words borrowed from French should use "S" instead of C but might not always be written that way.

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;R-: Should be rolled.

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;;After a double consonant,:: repeat the vowel preceding vowel sound slightly. For example, Tudd (to call oneself) sounds almost like "tuddu" and jamm (peace) sounds like "Jamma" with a very soft a / e muet (if you speak French, for reference) at the end.

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;Ng -: Difficult for a non-speaker to replicate. Focus on the "g" sound and if possible add the n to the end of the preceding word. For example, Fan nga joge? (Where to you come from) sounds more like Fann ga joge?

Pronunciation guide

Wolof is primarily an oral not written language, so written spellings may vary considerably.

Vowels

Consonants

C-

is always pronounced "Ch" Words borrowed from French should use "S" instead of C but might not always be written that way.

R-

Should be rolled.

After a double consonant,

repeat the vowel preceding vowel sound slightly. For example, Tudd (to call oneself) sounds almost like "tuddu" and jamm (peace) sounds like "Jamma" with a very soft a / e muet (if you speak French, for reference) at the end.

Ng -

Difficult for a non-speaker to replicate. Focus on the "g" sound and if possible add the n to the end of the preceding word. For example, Fan nga joge? (Where to you come from) sounds more like Fann ga joge?

Common diphthongs

goeses

Phrase list

Basics

Hello.

Salamalekum (This is Arabic) / Response: Malekum Salaam.

Hello. (informal)

. ( Sa va)French

How are you?

Na'nga def? ( ?)

Fine, thank you.

Mangi fi rekk. ( jama rek or I'm in peace)

Alhumdililay.

Thanks be to God. (From Arabic.) May be used after 'jama rek' to express thanks.

What is your name?

Nanga tudd?

My name is...

Mangi tudd...

Nice to meet you.

. ()

Please

(S'il vous plait )

Thank you.

Jere jef. ()

You're welcome.

ñoku boku. ()

Yes.

. (waaw )

No.

. (de det )

Excuse me. (getting attention)

. (pardon )

Excuse me. (begging pardon)

. (baal ma )

I'm sorry.

. (maasa )

Goodbye

Be benen yoon. ( Means see you next time, or a la prochaine in French )